Electrical Contracting In Florida: Qualifying For Dbpr

how to qualify company florida dbpr electrical contractor

In the state of Florida, electrical contractors are required to obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) in order to perform work legally. The licensing process is regulated by the Florida Statutes, which outline the requirements, application process, and disciplinary procedures for electrical contractors. The Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, established under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes, is responsible for reviewing license applications, enforcing licensing requirements, and taking disciplinary action if a licensee engages in prohibited conduct. Obtaining a license involves submitting an application, providing proof of experience, and passing an examination. Licensed electrical contractors in Florida are authorized to work anywhere within the state, while registered contractors are limited to the counties or municipalities where they hold a local license. Maintaining a valid license is crucial, as the DBPR has the authority to revoke, suspend, or discipline licenses for various reasons, including employing uncertified individuals, providing false information, or performing work without the necessary permits.

Characteristics Values
License Validity Certified licensees can work anywhere within the State of Florida. Registered licensees can only work in the counties or municipalities where they hold a local license.
Application Process Submit the application for examination with the required fees. After passing the examination, complete the application for an initial certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license.
Examination The examination consists of two parts.
Application Requirements Provide proof of experience in the category for which you wish to become licensed as well as information on the business you wish to qualify.
Job Lists List 5 jobs per year for each year of experience claimed.
Employment Verification Form Can be submitted in lieu of job lists if experience has been gained through employment with a Florida-licensed electrical/alarm or electrical specialty contractor.
NICET Level III Certification Alarm Contractor I applicants with this certification may provide a copy in lieu of job lists.
Licensing for Endorsement Applicants who have held a license in another state for at least 10 years must provide verification from the licensing state showing they were licensed for at least 10 years and that the license was current within the last 2 years.
Transfer Applications Include moving a current license from one business to a new business or changing the name of the current business.
Additional Business Qualifications Will become null and void once the licensee stops qualifying the additional business and notifies the department (DBPR).
Primary License Must be kept current and active for additional business qualification(s) to be valid.
License Renewal The DBPR may not deny renewal without a full, open, and fair hearing.
License Revocation or Suspension The Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board may revoke or suspend the license of a licensee upon proof of prohibited conduct, such as employing uncertified persons or providing false evidence.
License Appeal Adverse license decisions made by the DBPR can be appealed under the Florida Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes.

shunzap

Application process

To qualify a company in Florida as an electrical contractor, you must obtain a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board. Here is an overview of the application process:

  • Examination: Submit an application for examination, along with the required fees. The examination consists of two parts, and you must pass both to proceed to the next step.
  • Initial Certified Licensure Application: After passing the examination, complete the application for an initial certified electrical or alarm contractor's license. This application requires you to provide proof of experience in the category for which you wish to become licensed, as well as information about the business you want to qualify.
  • Experience Requirements: Satisfy one of the experience requirements outlined by the DBPR. You can list five jobs per year for each year of claimed experience. Alternatively, if you have gained experience through employment with a licensed Florida electrical/alarm or electrical specialty contractor, you may submit an Employment Verification form completed by the qualifying contractor. For Alarm Contractor I applicants, a current NICET Level III certification or higher can be provided instead of job lists.
  • Additional Requirements for Applicants for Endorsement: If you have held a license in another state, you must provide verification showing that you have been licensed for at least 10 years and that your license was current within the last 2 years.
  • Review by DBPR: Once your application is submitted, the DBPR has 90 days to review it. They may notify you of any errors or omissions, request additional information, or issue a notice of intent to grant or deny the license.
  • License Grant or Denial: After the review process, the DBPR will make a decision to grant or deny the license. If your license is granted, congratulations! You have successfully qualified your company as an electrical contractor in Florida. If your license is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision under the Florida Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Chapter 120 of the Florida Statutes.

Please note that maintaining your license is important. Keep your primary license current and active, as contracting with an inactive or delinquent license can result in disciplinary action by the Board. Additionally, if you hold an additional business qualification, it will become null and void if you stop qualifying for it. In such cases, notify the Board, return the qualification document and wallet card, and request the qualification to be set to null and void.

shunzap

Examination

To qualify as an electrical contractor in Florida, you must pass a state licensing examination. The examination is administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and is offered in a computer-based testing (CBT) format through Pearson VUE.

The examination is divided into two parts: technical/safety and business. To be approved to sit for the examination, candidates must submit a valid email address, telephone number, and payment. Once the application is approved, candidates are eligible to schedule their examination within 72 hours.

Candidates can cancel or reschedule their examination without penalty up to two full calendar days in advance. This can be done online or by contacting customer service. It is important to note that even if you pass the examination, your application for a license could still be denied for various reasons, including failure to demonstrate the required experience.

For a Low Voltage Contractors License, applicants must pass a written exam covering the National Electrical Code (NEC), the Florida Building Code, and the Florida Statutes and Rules related to low voltage systems. This exam is also administered by the DBPR and information about the exam, including the exam outline, study materials, and a list of authorized test providers, can be found on their website.

Additionally, to maintain certification as an electrical contractor in Florida, you must complete continuing education requirements. This includes 4 hours of continuing education in areas such as workers' compensation, workplace safety, business practices, and Florida Laws & Rules.

Pike Electric Company: Where is it From?

You may want to see also

shunzap

Employment Verification

To qualify a company in Florida as a DBPR electrical contractor, you must submit an initial certified licensure application. This application requires proof of experience in the category for which you wish to be licensed, as well as information on the business you wish to qualify.

If you are self-employed as a registered contractor in Florida or out of state, you may submit three notarized letters of reference from other licensed contractors or building officials who are familiar with your experience. You must also list five jobs per year for each year of experience you are claiming.

Alternatively, you may be able to submit a completed Employment Verification form in lieu of job lists if your experience has been gained through employment with a Florida-licensed electrical, alarm, or electrical specialty contractor. The qualifying Florida-licensed electrical/alarm or electrical specialty contractor must complete this form.

Alarm Contractor I applicants who hold a current NICET Level III certification or higher may provide a copy of the certification instead of job lists. Applicants for endorsement who have held a license in another state for at least 10 years must provide a verification form from the licensing state, showing they were licensed for at least 10 years and that the license was current within the last two years.

shunzap

Renewal requirements

To renew a Florida Electrical Contractor's License, licensees must complete board-approved continuing education. This includes 11 hours for Certified and Registered Electrical Contractors and 7 hours for Alarm and Specialty Contractors. The renewal deadline is August 31 every even year, and licenses must be renewed every two years to remain active. Renewal can be completed online at MyFloridaLicense.com.

The renewal requirements for a Florida Electrical Contractor's License are as follows:

  • Complete the required CEUs (Continuing Education Units).
  • Renew your license online at MyFloridaLicense.com before September 1 of even years.
  • Complete board-approved continuing education hours: 11 hours for Certified and Registered Electrical Contractors, 7 hours for Alarm and Specialty Contractors.
  • Maintain an active primary license. If you have an additional business qualification, it will only be valid if your primary license is current and active.
  • Notify the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) of any changes to your business qualifications. If you stop qualifying for an additional business, notify the Board, mail back the additional business qualification document and wallet card, and request that the qualification be set to null and void.
  • Comply with all regulations set by the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board. Disciplinary actions for prohibited conduct include license revocation, suspension, or other penalties.

It is important to note that the DBPR cannot deny a license renewal without a full, open, and fair hearing, as outlined in Wilson v. Pest Control Commission of Fla., 199 So. 2d 777 (Fla. 4th DCA 1967).

shunzap

Disciplinary procedures

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board is responsible for regulating electrical contractor licenses in Florida. The disciplinary procedures for licensed electrical contractors are outlined in Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes and Chapter 61G6 of the Florida Administrative Code.

The Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board has the authority to revoke or suspend the license of a licensee or impose other disciplinary measures upon proof of certain prohibited conduct. This includes instances where the licensee has employed individuals who are not certified or registered to practice contracting, provided false or forged evidence to the department or board, operated a business organization engaged in contracting without a qualifying agent for more than 60 days, or commenced or performed work without the necessary permits.

To maintain their license in good standing, electrical contractors must adhere to specific requirements. They must notify the Board if they no longer meet the qualifications for their additional business qualification, mailing back the relevant documents and requesting that the qualification be nullified. Primary licenses must be kept current and active, as contracting with an inactive or delinquent license can result in disciplinary action.

When applying for or renewing a license, electrical contractors must follow specific procedures. The DBPR has 90 days to review applications, notify applicants of any issues, request additional information, and decide on granting or denying the license. Renewal denials cannot occur without a full and fair hearing. Applicants can provide proof of experience through job lists or an Employment Verification form completed by a qualifying Florida-licensed electrical contractor.

Frequently asked questions

To qualify as an electrical contractor in Florida, you must satisfy one of the requirements to be eligible for licensure. This includes providing proof of experience in the category for which you wish to become licensed as well as information on the business you wish to qualify.

The process for obtaining a Florida electrical contractor's license involves submitting an application for examination, paying the required fees, and passing both parts of the examination. After passing the examination, you will need to complete an application for an initial certified electrical or alarm contractor's license, providing proof of experience and information on the business.

Failing to maintain your license as an electrical contractor in Florida can result in disciplinary action from the Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board, including license revocation or suspension. Additionally, if you continue to contract work without a valid license, you may face further disciplinary measures.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment